Automobile Safety

  • Secure the pet in the car. An unrestrained pet can interfere with driving and become a hazardous projectile in the event of an accident or sudden stop.
  • Crates or sturdy pet carriers are an ideal way to restrain pets in cars. Stressed pets need a nice quiet place to rest and be alone at times. Secure the crate so it does not fly forward or flip in case of a sudden stop or accident.
  • If your car does not allow room to set up a crate, obtain a dog seat belt, which doubles as a harness.
  • Another reason to keep pets in the back seat or in a crate is that airbags can pose hazards to smaller people and pets. Air bags can launch out of the dashboard at a great enough force to severely injure a pet.
  • Install a pet barrier to keep dogs in the back seat.
  • Secure pets so that they cannot hit buttons for electric windows, adjustable mirrors, etc. Pets have gotten their heads stuck in electric windows after activating them.

 
  • Be sure to keep the dog's leash firmly in hand when loading and unloading the dog from the car. Always keep a current i.d. tag on the pet in case the pet manages to escape. Make sure the collar cannot slip off.
  • Another reason to keep pets secured in the back seat or in a crate is that airbags can pose hazards to pets. Air bags can launch out of the dashboard at a great enough force to severely injure your pet.
  • Pets are at risk in convertibles with the tops down and in the open bed of a pick-up truck.
  • Avoid letting dogs stick their heads out the car window, which can lead to eye, ear and other injuries.
  • If your pet gets motion sickness, there are different types of pharmaceuticals that may help. Speak to your veterinarian about which mediation would be right for your pet.

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